What is Origami?

What is Origami?

Origami, although an ancient discovery, is perhaps a foreign concept to many individuals today. Unless a person is caught up in the art world or has an interest in crafting, they may have never heard of origami. What is origami? It is, put simply, folding paper. This idea began hundreds of years ago however, the exact origin is unknown. It is still unknown whether it began in China or Japan. It is a known fact that the Japanese have developed advanced forms of artistic origami. This idea was quick to catch on spreading into Spain, South America, Germany and Britain. With time this creative activity also became popular in the west. Although origami is an activity enjoyed by thousands of people, it has a special place in the Japanese culture.

Learning how to fold paper is the basis of origami. There are very simple forms of origami such as the paper airplane which requires basic folds and instruction. Although the paper airplane is quite easy to make, for years it has provided hours of entertainment for young children. For the millions of individuals who have quickly made a paper airplane, perhaps they weren't aware they were using the art of origami.

There are countless projects that can be done using the art of origami. For people who are working with these techniques on a regular basis, the possibilities for creations rely on their imagination and creativity. Although the finished products are elaborate and obviously a challenge for the inexperienced person, the art of origami often uses two basic folds - the origami bird base and the origami square base. Learning how to do this activity will likely incorporate these two basic folds in most projects. As an individual advances in the art of origami, these basic folds will frequently be required for many projects.

Folding paper may sound boring to some people but for thousands in the world the folding paper or the art of origami, has become quite significant. It may sound juvenile to some but origami can be quite challenging which is what interests many people. The art of origami uses mathematics which again can be challenging for many people. A project starts out with just a square piece of paper and can be transformed into countless beautiful compositions. For many people origami is not simply a pastime. This activity requires skill and knowledge and is often used in the business world. There are individuals who get paid to create certain items using the art of origami. In different parts of the world there are origami competitions where people showcase their work.

Origami is an interesting art. It's difficult to visualize this concept. You really need to see pictures and diagrams to help you understand how this idea is applied. There are many books published about origami. You might find some in the local bookstore or at the library. Crafting magazines may also be a good source for information on origami. One place you're sure to locate beneficial material about this ancient activity is on the Internet. With access to a world database, the Internet will certainly be able to help you locate all you need to know about the art of folding paper - origami.

Benefits of Origami?

Origami began in China and Japan hundreds of years ago. It is an activity that has proven to be quite useful in various situations. Origami is an activity that costs very little but offers individuals a number of benefits. Here is a concept that requires creativity and imagination. Folding paper may not seem educational but in reality origami has been proven to improve reading and writing skills. It's also an activity that works on processing skills. In order to complete an origami project, an individual must first of all read and understand the instructions. They are then required to process the information they've gathered from the written material before beginning the folding steps. Once the project begins there is a need for logical reasoning as the person thinks about each fold and the following steps. Origami requires concentration and teaches people about sequencing.

Sequencing is part of the mathematical side of origami. This activity is used to work on individual's mathematical skills. Through the various origami designs and patterns, people are able to work with geometry and also learn about problem solving. In origami individuals work with measurements, fractions and symmetry. These are great concepts to practice, particularly in the classroom. For this reason origami is often used by teachers to demonstrate various mathematical concepts.

There are numerous benefits of origami. Another great asset of taking part in this activity is the development of fine motor skills. Many people use origami to help them get both hands working well together. Some individuals, especially those who suffer from disabling conditions have problems with their motor skills. Origami is a great way to improve these skills that are necessary for daily living.

The art of origami has been shown to help children and adults alike with essential issues such as self-confidence and social skills. Being able to complete an elaborate origami project allows the individual to feel proud and to experience the feeling of success. Realizing they were capable of finishing an origami composition, based on a set of written instructions is a huge accomplishment for some people. This procedure may be responsible for encouraging individuals to break out of their shell and become involved in group activities.

A good memory is needed for origami. Being demanded to recall specific sequences will help a person develop their ability to memorize details. Not only is their memory an important aspect of origami but it's also essential for the individual to be attentive. In order to complete the perfect project a person must pay attention to what they are doing. Paying attention and concentrating demands patience. Origami is not an activity for the impatient individual. To achieve the intended result several attempts may need to be made. Without patience the repetitive steps and continuous attempts may become too much to handle.

Origami may be an inexpensive hobby or teaching tool but it does require certain qualities in a person. As a teaching tool it can be used to work on these qualities. As a hobby origami can be used to challenge the individual and help them develop other skills.

Origami is Good for You?

Origami, the art of paper folding has proven to be so much more than just a beautiful craft idea. Origami is good for you. This realization has been taken to the classroom and used by many teachers to broaden the student's way of thinking. Origami compels the student to develop skills in an interesting way. This activity teaches skills that are necessary and beneficial in every day living.

Patience is something that we all need to learn. Each and every day, whether at school, at work, at home or at the grocery store, people need to practice patience. This is difficult for some individuals, especially for the child who is waiting their turn for the swing for example. Origami can be used to instill this importance of patience in both children and adults alike. Because this activity requires careful attention and precise folds, it cannot be rushed if hoping to achieve the intended result. One must be very patient when attempting an origami project.

Attentiveness or awareness is also essential in our daily existence. Whatever environment we find ourselves in it is important to be aware of the situation and activity around you. The art of origami teaches people to be aware and to pay attention. This is imperative in order to complete an origami project accurately. In a group setting the instructions are normally relayed by one person for example a teacher or instructor. To know which folds to make, the student or individual needs to listen attentively. This is a good practice for anyone.

Origami is great for fine tuning motor skills. This activity requires an individual to use their hands, both hands to fold the paper in order to achieve their goal. Our hands are needed to do just about everything. Origami would be beneficial for people who are experiencing difficulties with their hands, especially where fine motor skills are required.

Sequencing is important to learn. No matter what activity a person sets out to do there are steps to be taken. If the third step is taken before the first, it's unlikely the outcome will be favorable. Let's use baking a cake for example. First of all the ingredients need to go in the bowl, then they need to be mixed adequately and then put in a pan to bake. If the ingredients were all thrown into the baking pan without first of all being mixed, the result would be a mess not a cake. The same idea works with origami. If steps are skipped the results would be less than expected.

Origami is good for kids and their self-esteem. Kids are easily intimidated by other kids. Being able to complete an origami project can be gratifying for children. Realizing they independently created a work of art can make them proud. Not only will they feel proud but they may feel equipped to take on projects that otherwise may have been avoided. There'll definitely come a day when everyone will be demanded to work independently. Origami projects are good for you.


Educational Benefits of Origami - Many students, especially younger children find mathematics boring. One great way to spice up a math class is to introduce the art of origami.

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